This essay considers the intent of redaction criticism in the book of Psalms, and in particular the first three books of the Psalter. How important is the agenda of the editor of the Psalter and what are the principles that govern the arrangement of the Psalms within the book as a whole? Walton evaluates the contribution of Gerald Wilson. Walton's own view includes the suggestion that the Psalms should be viewed as a cantata around the theme of the Davidic covenant, and he wants to find the rationale for the placement of each psalm within smaller units in the Psalter.